Archive for the College Football tag

Mike

New game on Ice Cream Helmet this season: College Football Win Prediction. You have from now until kickoff of the first game of the season to register your predictions. I tried to make it relatively simple, so you aren’t making predictions for all 120+ schools. Here are the quick details:

Predict regular season win totals for schools in the Six Major Conferences + Independents: BYU & Notre Dame. (Championship game wins are included in the regular season win total, bowl wins are not.)

Predict the Conference Champion in the Six Major Conferences. (Goes by Championship game if league has one, otherwise, goes by standings.)

Check back during the season for updates on where you stand. Scoring will be interesting during the season as different people peak as schools hit their predictions then dip when those win totals are passed.

You can create groups to easily compare with your competitors, but you don’t need to join a group to play. You only have to make picks once, they will be the same across every group you join.

BF Sports

TCU vs Boise St, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Jan 4, 8pm, Glendale, AZ)Mike: The Secondary Bowl. Two teams playing their hearts out in a game that should matter, but it doesn’t. I actually know little about these teams. It’s TCU’s turn to be the mid-major that could (if only they had the chance). Pick: TCUAhad: This game doesnâ€™t matter? Thatâ€™s kind of rough. Boise has had their time in the spotlight. I like TCU in this matchup. Pick: TCUMatt: I think this game does matter. It is just unfortunate that these teams didn’t get to play a team from a power conference or gain a spot in the Championship Game. Boise State has some nice memories from playing in the Fiesta Bowl a few years back, but like Mike said, it is TCU’s turn. I think they are the better team overall and will show it on the field. Pick: TCUEvan: This game matters a lot. Here’s why – if this is a good, well-played game, the winning team is setting themselves to be pre-season top 5. Whether or not it is TCU or Boise, if either one of them start the year in the top 5 and duplicate the season they had this year, it will be difficult to keep them out of the championship game. Pick: Boise St

Georgia Tech vs Iowa, FedEx Orange Bowl (Jan 5, 8pm, Miami, FL)Mike: I say that any matchup between GT and a decent team is going to be interesting. It’s hard to say how a team will handle the GT O. Iowa has a strong disciplined defense that could shut them down. The issue, as is usual for Iowa, is how will they score enough points to win. Pick: Georgia TechAhad: The G-Tech offense will be tough for Iowa to stop. Iowa does have a talented defense that will have had plenty of time to prepare for the option attack. I just donâ€™t think the Iowa offense will be able to keep up. Pick: G-TechMatt: This is just such an odd matchup that it is hard to predict. Iowa mostly overachieved this year but was able to make the big plays in the 4th quarter that turned the games in their favor. The thing that concerns me is the Georgia Tech defense. They didn’t always play that well throughout the season, so I think Iowa should be able to move the ball. I think the Iowa D will be able to keep the Tech option attack somewhat in check. If Iowa can consistently move the ball and put up points, I like them in this game. I just don’t see it happening. Pick: Georgia TechEvan: Iowa fans will turn Dolphin’s stadium into a field of dreams, it’s gonna be awesome baby! Pick: Iowa

Central Michigan vs Troy, GMAC Bowl (Jan 6, 7pm, Mobile, AL)Mike: The most ridiculous bowl. Are they hoping someone confuses it for a BCS Bowl? Both teams went undefeated in conference. CMU held up better out of conference. Plus, Dan LeFevour wants you to know his name. Pick: Central MichiganAhad: Despite my dislike for directional schools, I will have to go with Central Michigan. Pick: Central MichiganMatt: There needs to be some serious re-arranging of when bowl games are played next year. They should be played in order of importance or established tradition. This one needs to be pushed back to December. Onto the game, these teams had one common opponent this season: Bowling Green. Troy lost. Central Michigan won. That’s enough for me. Pick: Central MichiganEvan:Chippewas all the way.

Alabama vs Texas, BCS Championship (Jan 7, 8pm, Pasadena, CA)Mike: I don’t have much to say about this game. I’m unsure how much I will even watch. Bama Rolls in a fashion similar to a Tide. Pick: AlabamaAhad: Texas has the better offense and Bama will be fighting the Heisman curse. Pick: TexasMatt: Texas barely made it into this game, so they will be out to show they belong in it. Alabama has been the best team all season, and I don’t really see anything changing here. Pick: AlabamaEvan: Heisman curse, shmeisman curse. SEC wins its 4th straight BCS title. Pick: Bama

BF Sports

South Florida vs Northern Illinois, International Bowl (Jan 2, 12pm, Toronto)Mike: Congrats guys, great season, you’re headed to Toronto for New Years. NIU is rolling into this bowl with two straight losses. Although they were on the road to the teams that made the MAC Championship Game. USF had nice wins against FSU and WVU and lost games you can’t really fault them for. Except for that 31-0 Rutgers loss, which still makes no sense to me. Still, the Big East is a much better conference. Pick: South FloridaAhad: This has to be one of the worst bowl game locations. If you were in Florida, why would you want to go to Toronto? Despite that, I like South Florida in this matchup. A conference has to be pretty bad if you say it is worse than the Big East. Pick: South FloridaEvan: I’ve liked USF all year. Pick: BullsMatt: To me, it’s simple. South Florida played much tougher competition and played in a tougher conference than Northern Illinois. Of course, when I have stated this argument in previous bowl picks, it came back to bite me. I don’t think it will happen here. South Florida rolls. Pick: South Florida

Connecticut vs South Carolina, Papajohns.com Bowl (Jan 2, 2pm, Birmingham, AL)Mike: Why the .com? What a rough season for UConn. Their biggest loss was by 4. 4! That happened against WVU and Rutgers. It’s surprising how close UConn came to being Cincy this year. South Carolina has the misfortune of playing in the SEC. The losses look like they were to good teams but they only played 2 ranked teams (Bama and UF) and obviously lost to them. I think this will be tight but I like UConn’s heart this year. Pick: ConnecticutAhad: No love again for the SEC. (Just trying to get a reaction out of Evan.) Pick: UConnEvan: Ahad, I have one question for you – do you respect wood? I’m pretty sure Spurrier has lost interest in football completely. I think this is a case where UConn outplays SC, but that does not show on the scoreboard. Pick: SCMatt: UConn played every one tough all year but constantly came up on the short end of the score. I would love to see them get the win here. I just don’t think they will. Pick: South Carolina

Oklahoma State vs Mississippi, AT&T Cotton Bowl (Jan 2, 2pm, Dallas, TX)Mike: I haven’t a clue here but Ok State didn’t have to do much to get their 9 wins in the Big 12. One ranked team on their entire schedule. Ole Miss at least beat LSU. I still haven’t a clue on this game. Pick: MississippiAhad: Practically a home game for the Cowboys. Pick: OK StateEvan: What do you think? Ole MissMatt: Let’s see, Ole Miss came in an underdog last season in this bowl game when they played Texas Tech and ended up winning. They are a slight favorite this time around. If Snead can keep his turnovers limited, I like Ole Miss’ chances. OK State has not been the same without Dez Bryant. Pick: Ole Miss

East Carolina vs Arkansas, AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Jan 2, 5:30pm, Memphis, TN)Mike: Right away this game doesn’t look to be at all interesting. Does anyone know anything about East Carolina since their hot start in 2008? This could be one of those cases where the lesser known team is pumped and shocks everyone. Could be. Pick: ArkansasAhad: Good thing Mallett left Michigan. Pick: ArkansasEvan: I like Skip Holtz. Pick: ArkansasMatt: I liked this Arkansas team this year. They played well, although it wasn’t exactly reflected in their record. East Carolina only had one real quality win this year, and that was against Houston in the finale. I think East Carolina keeps this one close into the 4th quarter, but Arkansas pulls away in the end. Pick: Arkansas

Texas Tech vs Michigan State, Valero Alamo Bowl (Jan 2, 9pm, San Antonio, TX)Mike: I wonder if any bowl game has had a swing in picks like this one must be having. Michigan State is a pretty good squad and I probably would have been split before all the drama. I’m sure Mike Leach will land somewhere just fine. The only good that could come of this is if we could get Craig James off of ESPN. Pick: Michigan StateAhad: Didnâ€™t MSU suspend a bunch of players? Based on the comments from some of the players, they are relieved that the Mike Leach drama is over. Apparently this guy was nuts. The offense might struggle a little bit without the play caller, but Potts knows the offense well enough to keep things moving. Pick: Texas TechEvan: I say Tech bounces back from Leachgate. Pick: TechMatt: Since when is this game after New Years Day? Doesn’t make sense to me. This is another bowl game with all kinds of outside distractions. Michigan State did suspend about 8 of their players and then of course there is the whole Leach fiasco. I am with Mike in regards to Craig James. I hate that guy. Back to the game, I think the MSU defense will struggle against the Tech passing attack. Michigan State won’t be able to keep up on the scoreboard. Pick: Texas Tech

BF Sports

Northwestern vs Auburn, Outback Bowl (Jan 1, 11am, Tampa, FL)Mike: If Texas owns NYE, Florida owns New Years Day. 3 of the 5 today in Florida. I’ve always liked the Outback Bowl for some reason. I think it’s the corporate sponsorship that somewhat fits as sounding like a real bowl. It’s also been that way for so long that I don’t remember what it was called before. As for the matchup. Really? The Big 10 nosedives after the top 4 (and to be fair and so Evan doesn’t get angry, the Big 10 top 2 aren’t in the same league as the SEC). Auburn could have had a solid season but stumbled in the middle of the year with 3 straight losses and then finished up with losses to Georgia and Bama. Still, it’s Northwestern. Pick: AuburnAhad: I show no love the SEC. Pick: NorthwesternMatt: I think Northwestern will have something to say in this ballgame. It will be closer than expected, but for Northwestern to win their first bowl game in 60 years, they will have to step up on defense. The defense will play better, but Auburn is just better. Pick: AuburnEvan: Auburn

Penn State vs LSU, Capital One Bowl (Jan 1, 1pm, Orlando, FL)Mike: Obviously I’ve thought about this one the most and don’t have a clue. What scares me is the LSU defense and how PSU reacts after getting knocked in the teeth early. Way too many games this year for PSU were close at the half until the other team wore down in the second half. That didn’t happen in the Iowa and OSU games when they played a competent opponent. I’m not sure how LSU is going to score if PSU doesn’t give them the chances. With Boone I think PSU can win the field position battle and the offense has had enough time to prepare. The offense was not a problem with over a month to prepare for USC last year, and that was a very good USC defense. Pick: Penn StateAhad: PSU has come up small in big games this year. I donâ€™t know too much about this LSU team, except that they are battling injuries at the running back position and the QB play has not been strong. The biggest question for me is if the PSU offense will show up, namely Clark and the offensive line. If they can protect the qb, the offense should be ok. Pick: PSUMatt: The key to the game will be the PSU offensive line. They need to step up and run block and protect Clark. I am nervous about the speed on defense for LSU. I think lots of misdirection and screen passes will help slow them down. The defense will have to play better than in last year’s bowl game where they were absolutely exploited. LSU struggled on offense throughout the season, so it shouldn’t be as much of an issue this year. I expect a low scoring game, so turnovers will be a big player in the outcome. The PSU defense makes a big play late to seal the victory. Pick: Penn StateEvan: Boys, boys, boys…. nothing would give me greater pleasure than to tell you that Penn State has a chance in this game. You know they’re my second favorite team. Unfortunately, LSU is a good team that looked average in an above average league (this is the part where Ahad vomits). While both LSU and PSU are historically well-prepared for bowl games, LSU has more talent and is kind of honked that Bama is the new top dog in the west. They will play angry. Pick: LSU

West Virginia vs Florida State, Gator Bowl (Jan 1, 1pm, Jacksonville, FL)Mike: Bowden’s last game. I think if this was the original scheduled exit for him I’d give a little more to the team rallying behind their leader theory. The way he is going out gives me more of a program in disarray feeling. I think this is a tight game but FSU is really a mediocre team that someone blew out BYU and got everyone (including me) thinking big. Pick: West VirginiaAhad: Obviously the only story in this game is Bowden. FSU has been too inconsistent this year. Pick: WVUMatt: Florida State shouldn’t even be in this bowl game. I am with Mike. I don’t buy into the rallying behind the leader theory at all. Florida State has been far too inconsistent all season. West Virginia will run all over them with Devine having a huge game. FSU will keep it close for a half, but West Virginia will run away late. Pick: West VirginiaEvan: What is funny is that Noel Devine went to high school in Fort Myers and was mentored by Deion Sanders, and now he will run wild all over Deion’s coach’s farewell game. Pick: West Virginia

Oregon vs Ohio State, Rose Bowl Game (Jan 1, 4:30pm, Pasadena, CA)Mike: I’ve always enjoyed how they specify this as the Rose Bowl Game, as to not confuse it with the parade? Also, they classy it up and do the ‘Presented by’ for the sponsor. Now, I don’t want to get in too deep about this game. It’s the Ducks, and I always pick them wrong. It’s Ohio State, and they rarely win BCS games. Pick: OregonAhad: No Big 10 love this time. Pick: OregonMatt: This game will not go in Ohio State’s favor if it turns into a shootout. Oregon has playmakers all over the field on offense. Oregon must pressure Pryor and have someone spying him because he will want to run. I actually like Ohio State’s chances in this game, but I don’t like Ohio State. I think Masoli will outplay Pryor. Pick: OregonEvan: I’m so used to Ohio State sucking in BCS games that it is like muscle memory when picking their games. Pick: Oregon

Cincinnati vs Florida, Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan 1, 8:30pm, New Orleans, LA)Mike: The only concern is that UF was distracted over the past week. It actually may have focused them on the game that no one in the UF community cares about after things settled down. I would have expected great things from Cincy if Brian Kelly were staying. Oh well. Pick: FloridaAhad: All the talk of this game has been about the coaching situations at both schools. I think Florida rebounds from the SEC championship game and Tebow goes out with a win. Pick: FloridaMatt: I think this game is a slam dunk for Florida (watch, I will get burned for saying that). Both teams have issues with their head coach coming in, so there are lot of distractions out there. What this game really comes down to is defense. Both offenses can put up some points, but Florida’s defense is far superior to Cincy’s. Tebow goes out with a big game as Florida rolls. Pick: FloridaEvan: I’m usually nervous about picking Florida in big games, thinking I might jinx them, that is not the case here. I think UF whips Cincinnati up and down the field, eats their New Year’s Day Goose, and then makes love to the Bearcats cheerleaders. Pick: UF

BF Sports

Air Force vs Houston, Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Dec 31, 12pm, Fort Worth, TX)Evan: I like Air Force’s fight song, it’s catchy, and so are their receivers. Hey oh! Pick: Air ForceMike: Houston has been unpredictable all year. I haven’t heard much about Air Force but they are impressive when you look at their losses: Minnesota, Navy, TCU, Utah, BYU. Minny is the only one I can really fault them for. I lean on stars in bowl games and I’m a big fan of Casey Keenum. Pick: HoustonAhad: Terrible joke Evan. Just for that, Iâ€™m going with Houston. Pick: HoustonMatt: Intriguing game between the Houston high flying passing attack and Air Force’s #1 ranked pass defense. The key is Houston’s defense against the Air Force option attack because Houston will get their points on offense. Air Force keeps it close, but Houston will squeak out the win. Pick: Houston

Stanford vs Oklahoma, Brut Sun Bowl (Dec 31, 2pm, El Paso, TX)Evan: Oklahoma needs to prove they are still relevant. Spiller used his bowl game to prove he was Heisman worthy. Toby Gerhart will do the same. Pick: StanfordMike: Does Texas own New Years Eve bowl games? 3 of the 5 are in the state. Here Oklahoma still lingers here. The OU defense could easily show up and shut down Gerhart. However, there’s no Bradford and the disappointed giant in a bowl game theory applies here. Pick: StanfordAhad: The Sooners have a lot to prove in this game. The defense will take care of business. Is there any doubt who I am picking in this one? Pick: OklahomaMatt: No, Ahad, there was no doubt from me. You always bet on Sooner. I think Oklahoma will exploit the leaky Stanford defense and their defense will be up to the task of stopping Gerhart and Co. Pick: Oklahoma

Missouri vs Navy, Texas Bowl (Dec 31, 3:30pm, Houston, TX)Evan: I’m sticking with my service academies, and if you don’t it means you must hate America. Pick: NavyMike: What did Mizzou do all year? They lost each of their ranked games plus Baylor. The only Navy game I got to see a lot of was them barely beating ND, which does not qualify as impressive. If I have to flip the coin, and I guess I do. Pick: NavyAhad: I donâ€™t want anyone to say I hate America. Pick: NavyMatt: Well, I don’t hate America in case you were wondering, and I do like what Navy brings to the table. I just don’t see it being enough in this game. I will be rooting for them, though. Pick: Missouri

Minnesota vs Iowa State, Insight Bowl (Dec 31, 6pm, Tempe, AZ)Evan: Golden Gophers vs the Cyclones. I didn’t even know Iowa state was bowl eligible. Pick: MinnesotaMike: No thanks. Minnesota’s only double digit wins this year were over Purdue (15) and Northwestern (11). That’s with a schedule that included Syracuse and South Dakota State (beat both by 3). Iowa State had only one bright spot, but it’s very bright. That 9-7 shootout against Nebraska (most of those shots in the shootout were Nebraska to their own feet). This bowl is so unappealing they should have held it in November. Pick: MinnesotaAhad: I have to show the Big 10 some love. Pick: GophersMatt: How do these two 6-6 teams have a bowl game so late in the bowl season? Wow, where to go with this one? Minnesota hasn’t shown much on offense recently, and that worries me in this game. That tempts me to want to go with Iowa State, but then again, we are talking about Iowa State. Pick: Minnesota

Virginia Tech vs Tennessee, Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec 31, 7:30pm, Atlanta, GA)Evan: I really want to stick with my SEC picks, yet Va Tech scares me. I think Kiffin has something up his sleeve. Pick: VolsMike: Finally something, no wonder it’s in primetime. Actually, scratch that. Tennessee does not appeal to me. They did have some close losses (2 points to Bama, 10 to UF) but they were losses. I’m crossing my fingers for a tight game, but I have to Pick: Virginia TechAhad: I am going to continue to go against Evan. Pick: V-TechMatt: I like Virginia Tech, but I don’t think they’re as good as their record and rank indicate. They have been inconsistent at times, but so have the Vols. The Volunteers got off to a rough start but have been playing better down the stretch. Should be a good, close game, but I am gonna go with the slight upset. Pick: Tennessee

BF Sports

Texas A&M vs Georgia, Independence Bowl (Dec 28, 5pm, Shreveport, LA)Ahad: I am going to go against Evan here. Pick: Texas A&MMike: I find it hard to support 6-6 bowl teams. However, Georgia was only a game away from that mark. Still, a non-conference loss to Ok State is a lot more appealing than anything A&M has to offer. A&M did have to play Ok State, but that’s a conference game for them. Pick: GeorgiaEvan: How. Dare. You. Pick: UGAMatt: Both teams have been very inconsistent this season but had good showings in their final regular season game, even though A&M lost. Both defenses are bad, but A&M’s is worse, so I give a slight edge to Georgia. Pick: Georgia

UCLA vs Temple, EagleBank Bowl (Dec 29, 4:30pm, Washington, DC)Ahad: I am looking forward to this one. This is the type of game that will make Temple a legit program. Look for the Owls to bounce back after the disappointing performance in their last game. Pick: TempleMike: What an accomplishment to make it to the EagleBank Bowl. You get to travel to DC in late December and play on a Tuesday afternoon. Here again we have a 6-6 major conference team. Also a team with a more powerful program than Temple (but who doesn’t). The non-football factors I’m considering: UCLA may not be all that interested, they have to travel across the country, and it’s going to be just barely above freezing and breezy. Pick: TempleEvan: I am not looking forward to this at all. Pick: UCLAMatt: I am not looking forward to this game either. I haven’t seen Temple play really this season (I missed the PSU game), but I can’t picture them being able to beat UCLA. I do agree with Mike in that UCLA has several factors going against them and probably aren’t that motivated to play in this game. Temple will be super motivated but I don’t think it will be enough to get them the win. Pick: UCLA

Miami (FL) vs Wisconsin, Champs Sports Bowl (Dec 29, 8pm, Orlando, FL)Ahad: Miami has too much talent and speed for the Badgers. Pick: MiamiMike: Outside of that odd Northwestern loss, Wisconsin had a solid year. Almost identical to Penn State. Looking at the results, Miami had a nice year as well. Miami always seems to have the talent but usually will make the mistakes to beat themselves. Especially in games against solid opponents like Wisconsin. Pick: WisconsinEvan: Wisconsin always gets pumped for bowl games, especially when it’s in Florida and their fans get to escape the tundra. Pick: WisconsinMatt: Miami has more talent than Wisconsin, but the Badgers are more disciplined and don’t make the crippling mistakes Miami does. I think Wisconsin’s workman-like approach will outshine the flashiness of the U. Pick: Wisconsin

Idaho vs Bowling Green, Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl (Dec 30, 4:30pm, Boise, ID)Ahad: Bowling Green Mike: I’m going to have to defer to Ahad’s in-depth analysis. Even though the game is in Idaho I have no knowledge of them being any good. I don’t have much knowledge of BG being any good either. The only ranked opponent Idaho played was Boise St and they lost by 38. BG played them and only lost by 35. I think that makes things pretty crystal. Pick: Bowling GreenEvan: Bowling Green is going to rally behind their former Coach (like 7 years ago), Urban Meyer. Pick: Whatever Bowling Green’s mascot is.Matt: Idaho has turned their program around and I think their coach was an early season coach of the year candidate before they lost a couple games in a row. I don’t know too much about Bowling Green, but I do like that Idaho will have the home crowd advantage. Pick: Idaho

Nebraska vs Arizona, Holiday Bowl (Dec 30, 8pm, San Diego, CA)Ahad: Nebraska had a good showing against Texas, but I think that was a fluke performance by their defense. Suh is a big time player, but wonâ€™t be able to take this game over. Pick: ArizonaMike: I like this one. Can Arizona score at all against Nebraska? I think the Nebraska D can put them in a potition to put some easy points on the board. Pick: NebraskaEvan: I think Nebraska blew their wad against Texas. They won’t remember how to play that well again. Pick: ArizonaMatt: I can’t get the image of Nebraska’s defensive mauling of Texas out of my head. But can they put up some points? I think they force some turnovers and score enough to win. Pick: Nebraska

BF Sports

Ohio vs Marshall, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (Dec 26 1pm, Detroit, MI)Evan: Hmmm, I haven’t heard anything about Marshall this year, but I did finally watch the movie. On paper, Ohio looks a lot better. Pick: OhioAhad: I really didnâ€™t like the movie. Ohio was good enough to beat Temple; they are good enough win this game. Pick: OhioMike: How many people are excited to see a 6-6 Marshall team in a bowl? Pick: OhioMatt: Boy, I would really like to pick Ohio, but I haven’t been doing so well with the bowl picks so far. Couple that with not really liking any teams from the state of Ohio, and I will go with Marshall. Pick: Marshall

North Carolina vs Pittsburgh, Meineke Car Care Bowl (Dec 26, 4:30pm, Charlotte, NC)Evan: This is practically a home fame for UNC, but I’m starting to come around on this Pitt team. I think Wanndstat wants to be relevant again. Winning this game will not make that happen. Pick: PittAhad: I still donâ€™t like Pitt, but I think they will win this game. Pick: PtttMike: I haven’t had a good feeling with UNC all year. They probably should have been better than 4-4 in the ACC. They lost to UVa and blew it against FSU. I’ve said multiple times this year that I’m a fan of this Pitt team. Pick: PittsburghMatt: Pitt is clearly the better team in this matchup, but they will need to step up on defense. If they don’t, they could go home a loser for the 3rd game in a row. I think they get the job done, though. Pick: Pitt

Boston College vs USC, Emerald Bowl (Dec 26, 8pm, San Francisco, CA)Evan: Everyone and their mom is thinking that USC has to finally wake up and play some defense right? I mean, they can’t be as bad as they have been playing. BC is going to come at this like its the super bowl. The question in will USC be too upset about their year, and consequently the bowl game they are in, to show up and play, or will Pete Carroll call out his players? I think with this long to get their heads right, the real USC shows up. Pick: TrojansAhad: Playing in this game has to be a disappointment for USC. They were expected to have a much better season. Carroll will have this team ready to go. This game could get ugly. Pick: USCMike: My least favorite bowl. The field just doesn’t look right at AT&T Park. USC has plenty of players disappointed by the season, looking toward the pros, or not sure if they are going to be allowed to make the trip. Still, there is a huge talent gap between them and BC. Pick: USCMatt: Doesn’t it seem like USC ends up with essentially a home bowl game every year? To me, this game seems like no contest. I am sure BC will make a game of it, but I can’t see USC losing. Pick: USC

Kentucky vs Clemson, Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (Dec 27, 8:30pm, Nashville, TN)Evan: Kentucky played very well at the end of the year, while Clemson did not. CJ spiller is looking to the NFL and is still smarting from not being invited to NYC for the Heisman. Pick: KentuckyAhad: Spiller will dominate this game. Pick: ClemsonMike: I trust Evan’s picks for SEC conference games. Once they go out of conference I don’t trust him. It’s the finale of the CJ Spiller Show, which seems to have been running forever. After bowl season the Heisman voters will be wondering what they were thinking (especially after Ingram fails to show up). Pick: ClemsonMatt: Mike, why so anti-Ingram? Typically, the SEC team will dominate in these matchups, but I don’t see it happening here. CJ Spiller will have a big day in his final game. Pick: Clemson

BF Sports

Oregon State vs BYU, Maaco Bowl Las Vegas (Dec 22, 8pm, Las Vegas, NV)Matt: This looks to be a pretty good matchup. BYU hasn’t played that many tough teams this season, and they will certainly be tested in this one. Oregon State has lots of talent on offense and their team speed could give BYU problems. I think Quizz will prove too much to handle for the BYU defense. Pick: Oregon StateAhad: This game will definitely test BYU. The Beavers are better prepared for this matchup since they have played more quality opponents. I agree with Matt, Quizz will be too much for BYU. Pick: Oregon StateMike: Finally a game worth checking out. This is BYUâ€™s 5th trip in a row to the Las Vegas Bowl? That still doesnâ€™t make sense to me that BYU would keep going to Vegas. I need to get a sponsor for my pre-game player to watch segment. Iâ€™ve got my eye on Max Hall picking apart OSU. Pick: BYUEvan: I think Oregon State is still upset about losing the Civil War. The Las Vegas Bowl is a far drop off from the Rose Bowl, and I think OSU has a hard time getting in gear. The Beavers will also be out partying in Vegas while BYU will be praying somewhere. Pick: BYU

Utah vs California, SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl (Dec 23, 8pm, San Diego, CA)Matt: This game really comes down to which Cal team shows up. They got waxed in their season finale against Washington and have been inconsistent all season. Utah has been more consistent and has the winning pedigree, especially in bowl games. I’ll go with the Utes. Pick: UtahAhad: Utah is always looking to prove that it belongs with the schools in the big conferences. Cal has been a disappointment this year and this game will be no different. Pick: UtahMike: Utah had a nice year but couldnâ€™t stack up with TCU or BYU. Best wonâ€™t be going for Cal, but that hasnâ€™t seemed to change the unpredictability of the team this year. The numbers put this as a fairly even matchup with Utah having slightly better numbers on defense. I like Cal after matching up with the Pac 10 this year. Pick: CaliforniaEvan: Cal’s 2 faceness and the fact that Urban Meyer used to coach Utah makes this easy. Pick: Utah

Nevada vs SMU, Sheraton Hawaii Bowl (Dec 24, 8pm, Honolulu, HI)Matt: June Jones, now the coach of SMU, returns to Hawaii where he had much success. I don’t think it will be a pleasant return. I can’t pick a team to win a bowl game that lost to Wazzu. Pick: NevadaAhad: I think June Jones returning is the biggest story line for this game. Because of my biased against directional schools, I will have to go with Nevada. Pick: NevadaMike: After reading Matt & Ahadâ€™s picks I donâ€™t have to do any research. I hadnâ€™t thought about SMU in my directional school thought. They donâ€™t have a state in their name. If they lost to Wazzu, Iâ€™m out. Pick: NevadaEvan: I can’t argue with everything I have read here. Pick: Nevada